Language Acquisition and Learning Essay Example for Free

Language Acquisition and Learning Essay There are several theories as to how people acquire and learn the intricacies of language not only to communicate but also to communicate their ideas across an audience. As a matter of fact, most of these theories if not all of them contends with each other. The two famous contending ideas are that of the Behaviorist Theory purported by B. F. Skinner which argues that language learning is a matter of â€Å"imitation, practice, reinforcement, and habit formation (Author, Year)† and the Innatist Theory posited by Noam Chomsky which presents the notion of a Universal Grammar found in every human being’s mind that made them cognitively capable in learning a language (Author, Year). While both of these theories account for the similarities and differences in first language and second language learning, it is Stephen Krashen who first made a basic distinction that first language is acquired while second language is learned (Author, Year). According to Krashen, to acquire a language is to understand the language just like that of a child acquiring his/her first language without any conscious attention to the language form. On one hand, learning a language is to focus on the form and rules of a particular language. Aside from these basic differences there are also other factors that affect both first language acquisition and second language learning such as the cognitive and environmental aspects. In the cognitive aspect, Chomsky said that humans in terms of language learning have The Critical Period Hypothesis, a genetic program that contains the kinds of knowledge and skill necessary for the learning of a language in a specific period of every human’s life. This further suggests that most of human’s first language endeavor happens in this period which makes it easier to learn as opposed to second language learning that will happen beyond CPH. It is argued that beyond these critical periods, it is already difficult if not impossible to acquire those language learning skills as supported by the case study of a 12-year old boy Victor who grew up in the wilderness of France without any contact with any human language but the sound of the animals and the woods (Author, Year). It is believed that second language can no loner access the innate acquisition they have when they learn their first language which lead them to rely on their other cognitive skills. The second cognitive aspect is the knowledge of a prior language. Second language whether children or adults have already acquired a first language on their own that works both as an advantage and a disadvantage. It is an advantage because of the fact that they have a prior language on how languages work. It is a disadvantage in a sense that this prior knowledge would affect and influence the learner’s knowledge of the second language that would inevitable lead them to make incorrect guesses on how the second language works. Second language learners already have cognitive maturity and metalinguistic awareness that a first language learner does not have which allows them to solve problems and engage themselves in language discussions. Moreover, there are also attitudinal and cultural differences involve in between first language acquisition and second language learning. First is the willingness to use and experiment the new language. For instance, children learning their first language would try to express themselves in different ways sometimes in erroneous ways even when their proficiency in the language is limited. However, adult second language learners would find it stressful to not able to express themselves which inhibits them to endeavor with the language. Lastly, there is an environmental differences involved in language learning acquisition and learning. For instance, first language learners are exposed in an informal environment where parents respond to their children’s language in a natural way such as a correction based on meaning as opposed to a correction based grammar accuracy. Correction is often made through reaction as opposed to a second language learning setting where every wrong utterance is corrected. In this way, second language learners are deprived of the experiencing language in a real communication set- up which is hazardous in their learning.

Reward and Punishment in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English L

Macbeth:   Reward and Punishment    In Macbeth, a dramatic tragedy by William Shakespeare, the heroic characters are rewarded, and the evil ones are punished.   From her appearance in the play, Lady Macbeth is an evil woman who causes her husband's change of role.   She becomes insane with guilt and kills herself, receiving her punishment in full.   Malcolm, King Duncan's son, is a heroic and honorable person throughout the play.   He is crowned King of Scotland in the last act, and finally gets what he deserves.   Macbeth is on both sides of the fence.   He wins the battle in the first scene and is granted the title of Thane of Cawdor.   Macbeth lies and cheats his fellow men in the following scenes and is eventually killed in a heated battle with Macduff.   He receives both his reward and his punishment in the course of the five-act play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lady Macbeth makes her appearance in the play right after Macbeth receives his first predictions from the three Witches.   She does not think twice about her actions and starts planning Duncan's murder without consulting her husband first.   Lady Macbeth, however, does not feel that her husband has the heart to kill the King for the crown:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What thou art promise'd: yet do I fear thy nature,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is too full o' the milk of human kindness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To catch the nearest way.   Thou wouldst be great,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Art not wit... ...rself due to the guilt felt for conning her husband into such treachery.   Malcolm is a very honorable person and slowly plans his revenge against the treasonous murderer of his father, King Duncan. In the years spent trying to find the truth about his father's death, he makes many allies and is rewarded for his patience with the crown of Scotland.   Macbeth plays both   trusting and villainous roles throughout the play.   He becomes Thane of Cawdor for his valor in a recent war and is later killed for his horrific actions against his enemy Macduff.   Throughout the course of the play, many people are misguided and others are told the truth, but almost all of the characters receive what they deserve at the end.   The moral of this story seems to be â€Å"What goes around, comes around† as well as, â€Å"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.†

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 28

Remember the time we broke Mothers crystal bowl? And I was so worried about how she would react that I cried?† I asked. â€Å"Yes, and then Father decided I was to blame and whipped me and called me wicked,† Damon said dully. â€Å"I tried to make your life easier, little brother. But Im done. This time, I want you to get exactly what you deserve.† â€Å"What do you want me to say, Damon?† I asked angrily, so loudly the two guards looked up in surprise. Damon paused, his eyes at half-mast. â€Å"Ill tell you exactly what I want you to say right before I kill you.† I rolled my eyes in angry frustration. â€Å"I thought you were the one who wanted to die. And now youre going to kill me?† Damon chuckled. â€Å"You know, now that I think about it, being a beast from hell might not be so bad. In fact, I think its a role I could take to, immensely. Perhaps it wasnt my newfound state I despised. It wasyou. But if youre gone–â€Å" â€Å"If Im gone youll be in Patrick Gallaghers freak show forever,† I interrupted. â€Å"But admit it, brother. Dont you think Patrick Gallaghers freak show is more fun than hell? And once I get some strength, I think I can plan an escape quite easily.† â€Å"And then Im sure youll get caught, just as you did the first time,† I said in disgust. I leaned my head back against the cage bars. The fight was one short hour away, and I hadnt given up on trying to engage Damon, to spark any possible thread of connection between us. But no matter what Id say, hed taunt me or ignore me. It was impossible to know just how long wed been trapped. Since I had become a vampire, time had taken on a different quality. Seconds and minutes no longer mattered. I found being imprisoned gave time back its importance, because every second brought us closer to our battle. As I waited, I played out in my mind the various scenarios the fight could take. I pictured Damon snapping my neck, roaring triumphantly for the crowd. I saw myself succumbing to anger, accidentally stealing life from my brother–again. But what would happen if we both refused to fight? Could we take on the entire audience together? Could we somehow engineer an escape? Yes, Gallaghers minions had vervain and stakes, but we had Power. If only I had Callie on my side My heart panged painfully at the thought of Callies betrayal. The image of her flame-red hair and gleaming eyes floated to my mind constantly, inflaming my anger–and hurt–over and over. I curled my fists. If only Id listened to Lexi. If only I hadnt let a human in. My only goal for the battle was that, if I should die, I would die with my eyes closed, instead of searching the crowd for her face. â€Å"Lets go, boys!† Gallagher called out, pushing open the door as if he were rousing two children for a bright and early hike. He wore a black waistcoat and a brand-new gold watch that glinted in the weak sunlight. He snapped his fingers, and instantly the guards jumped to their feet, bustling to put on the makeshift uniform of a vampire handler: gloves, boots, and vervain-soaked garlands. The door of the cage flew open, and guards roughly yanked us out, tightened muzzles around our fangs, and shackled our hands behind our backs. We were blindfolded, then marched out of the attic and into the back of a black iron wagon. The wagon took off, bumpily heading down to the lake. When we arrived at the tent, we were marched in opposite directions. â€Å"Boo!† â€Å"Freak!† I heard the sideshow acts hiss as I was marched through the backstage area. I tightened my jaw. I wondered if Lexi wondered where I was, if she thought I was already dead. Though I was still blindfolded, I knew every inch of this tent. To the left was the tattooed woman, and to the right was Caroline, the bearded lady. The floor dipped down, and I knew I was in the arena. I felt something grab my arm. â€Å"Ive told a lot of people about what a crafty one you are. But dont try too hard for my benefit, Mr. Salvatore. My money is on your brother,† Jasper whispered gleefully. Finally, the blindfold was removed from my eyes. The tent was lit up like it was midday, and all the stands were crammed with people. At the center of the ring, Gallagher had set up a betting pool, where people frantically waved bills in the air. Organ music filled the tent, and the air smelled like candied apples and rum punch. And then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her. Callie was weaving through the stands, and behind her was Buck, carrying a tin box. Her hair was plaited with vervain stems, and her face was pale. Shed obviously been dispatched to collect bets in the stand. She was certainly her fathers daughter, and she fulfilled her duties well. She did not look at me once. I tore my gaze away from her and forced it over to Damon on the opposite side of the ring. Damon had always been a good fighter, and his recent bouts had only strengthened him. If Damon wanted to kill me, he would. Moreover, I would let him. I owed him that much. Jasper struck the starting bell, and the crowd hushed. Gallagher stood up from his post in the betting pit and boomed: â€Å"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another fine evening of sport made possible by yours truly, Patrick Gallagher. Only days ago, we brought you the first-ever fight between a vampire and a mountain lion. Tonight, we bring you the first-ever fight between two vampires, including the winner of that previous match. And not only that,† he said, dropping his voice and causing the crowd to hush and lean forward, â€Å"these two monsters are brothers. They came from the same womb, and now one of them will be heading straight to hell.† A rock hit me in the back of the head, and I whirled around. Vervain was everywhere, causing the sea of faces to blend together in a nightmarish collage of eyes, noses, and open mouths. â€Å"Brother, I'm sorry for anything I've done. Please. If we die, let's not die in anger. We're all we have,† I whispered, clenching my jaw and trying, one last time, to reach Damon. Damon looked up for a split second and jerked his head, but his expression was unreadable. In the center of the ring, Gallagher was still commanding the audiences attention. â€Å"The book will be open for another five minutes for final bets. But!–† He raised his hand in the air, attempting to silence the crowd. The noise in the tent dulled, if only slightly. â€Å"Stay after the show, when well be selling the losers blood. Even a dead vampires blood has healing powers. Cures all ailments. Even ones in the bedroom.† Gallagher winked showily. The crowd catcalled and cheered. I stiffened, wondering whether the crowd thought this was all an act: that we were down-on-our-luck actors and that the blood Gallagher sold after the show would be some type of cherry cordial. Did anyone know that all the blood would be real, that the fallen loser in the center of the ring wouldnt be standing up and heading home once the tent was emptied? Callie knew. Callie knew, and she had decided that this would be my fate. I again clenched my jaw, ready to fight, ready to give the audience the show it was looking for. Suddenly, I found myself being led around the ring by Jasper, giving the audience one final chance to scrutinize my strength before raising their stakes. I could hear snatches of conversation from all sides of the tent: That one's got an inch on the other. I'm swapping sides. How'd your old lady like one of those for your anniversary? I wonder how they'd do against a real lion. A man dressed in clerical robes stood next to Gallagher, raising his frocked arms to quiet the crowd. I recognized him as the snake charmer from the sideshow. â€Å"May all good light shine upon this fight and return the losers soul to the cleansing fires of hell!† he yelled, causing the tent to erupt in a cacophony of noise. A whistle blew, and the fight was on. Damon circled toward me, his stance low to the ground, like when we were kids and practiced boxing. I imitated his stance. â€Å"Blood!† one drunken man yelled, practically hanging over the railing of the ring. â€Å"Blood! Blood! Blood!† The entire tent seemed to be cheering. Damon and I continued to circle each other. â€Å"Let's not do this,† I said.†Let's refuse. What can they do?† â€Å"We're beyond that, brother,† Damon said.†The two of us can't survive in the same world.† Anger seeped into my limbs from the center of my being. Why couldnt we? And why couldnt Damon forgive me? I no longer thought he was haunted by the memory of Katherine. Instead, I believed he was haunted byme. Not who I was, but who he thought I was–a monster who killed without fear or awareness of consequence. How dare he not even recognize the lengths Id gone to to try to make him happy, to try to save him? I swung, connecting with Damons cheek. Blood spurted under his eye, and the crowd roared. Damon wound up and swung back, hitting me on my shoulder and knocking me down to the ground. â€Å"Why did you do that?† Damon hissed, baring his teeth to the delight of the crowd. â€Å"Because you wanted it,† I hissed back, baring my own teeth, then flipped him over into a headlock. He freed himself quickly and returned to his corner. We stood at opposite sides of the ring, staring at each other, both confused, angry, alone. â€Å"Fight!† the crowd roared again. Gallagher glared at us, unsure what to do. He snapped his fingers, and Jasper and Buck ran toward us with stakes, determined to force us to fight each other. They prodded us until our bodies were only inches apart and both of our fists were raised, when a huge, echoing, booming crack that sounded like the sky splitting in two echoed from above. A cold wind whipped around us, causing a cloud of sawdust and debris to rise at our feet. I smelled smoke. â€Å"Fire!† a panicked voice yelled. I looked around wildly. Part of the tent was on fire, and people were running in all directions. â€Å"Comeon!† I felt hands shoving my shoulders. Callie. My eyes opened wide in surprise. â€Å"Go, go, go!† Callie yelled, pushing me. She held an axe in her hand, and slowly I began piecing together what had happened. Had she actually cut down the supports of the tent structure, then set the fire? â€Å"Move!† Callie pushed me one more time. She was surprisingly strong for a human, and after a few seconds of stupidly standing and blinking in place, I grabbed Damon by the wrist, and we ran, past the tents, away from the river, faster and faster, heading toward my home.

The Summoner and His Tale in the Canerbur Tales by...

There were many different jobs during the Middle Ages. These jobs belonged to many different people with many different characteristics. In the series of tales The Canterbury Tales, author Geoffrey Chaucer writes about a group of people with different occupations during the Middle Ages. Who are going on a pilgrimage to the sacred town of Canterbury. Chaucer gives a detailed description of each character traveling to Canterbury. During this trek to Canterbury each of the passengers tells a different tale that Chaucer has chosen for them. When Chaucer described the Summoner he started with he had a face on fire like a cherubim, which, in medieval art means a little angel with a rosy face (Chaucer). He had carbuncles on his face which are†¦show more content†¦The ecclesiastical court was run by the church here citizens had to repent for the major church laws that they had broken (Alford, Mark). Some of the laws that people were summoned for are not tithing, adultery, telling a lie, etc (Alford, Mark). The Summoner should be a holy person who never breaks any of these laws, but from Chaucer’s description of this Summoner he breaks at least one of these laws on a regular basis (Chaucer, Geoffrey). Chaucer does this to show what the church is turning into. He is trying to warn the people that the leaders of the church are against each other and corrupt. There is a specific reason that Chaucer gets the Summoner to tell that tale that he shares with the group. The Summoner is angry after hearing the Friar’s tale. He then sarcastically suggests that the Friar told a well-documented story since friars and fiends are always good friends (Chaucer, Geoffrey). The Summoner then makes a point about Friars in general telling a story of how twenty thousand Friars came from under Satan’s tail and that not all Friars are holy (Chaucer, Geoffrey). The Summoner then tells a tale of how a Friar goes around promising prayer for items people would give him, and then never sends the prayers (Chaucer, Geoffrey). The Friar then goes on to tell that the Friar fondles a sick elder man’s wife and kisses her on the cheek, then proceeds to tell the sic man that anger is not the way to go about things (Chaucer,